Thousands of Foreigners Are Leaving Vietnam — Here's Why

Vietnam is the number Vietnam is the number one country in the world in terms of one country in the world in terms of one country in the world in terms of financial conditions financial conditions financial conditions for expats. Not in for expats. Not in for expats. Not in the top five, but number the top five, but number the top five, but number one in cost of one in cost of one in cost of living for five years living for five years living for five years in a row. The data in a row. The data in a row. The data speaks for itself speaks for itself , other expats , other expats , other expats voted with their voted with their voted with their real knowledge, real knowledge, real knowledge, their real their real their real lives, tens of thousands lives, tens of thousands lives, tens of thousands of them. It's not just me, of them. It's not just me, of them. It's not just me, it's not just my it's not just my it's not just my subjective opinion. subjective opinion. subjective opinion. But there is a very real But there is a very real But there is a very real problem. Life in problem. Life in problem. Life in Vietnam is far from Vietnam is far from Vietnam is far from ideal. And it's ideal. And it's ideal. And it's not about the 90-day not about the 90-day not about the 90-day visa, which I know visa, which I know visa, which I know many of you are many of you are many of you are thinking about. You know, I'm not talking thinking about. You know, I'm not talking thinking about. You know, I'm not talking about backpackers about backpackers about backpackers traveling from Thailand to traveling from Thailand to traveling from Thailand to Da Nang, or people who are too Da Nang, or people who are too Da Nang, or people who are too lazy to hire a lazy to hire a lazy to hire a visa agent or visa agent or visa agent or apply for documents apply for documents apply for documents for a legal for a legal for a legal long-term long-term long-term stay. stay. stay. In fact, frankly In fact, frankly In fact, frankly , things are much , things are much , things are much worse. This is quite an worse. This is quite an worse. This is quite an unfortunate fact that unfortunate fact that unfortunate fact that you will have to you will have to you will have to accept if you are accept if you are accept if you are going to come going to come going to come to Vietnam. There is to Vietnam. There is to Vietnam. There is simply no other way out. simply no other way out. On the same On the same metric that metric that metric that ranked Vietnam ranked Vietnam ranked Vietnam first in first in first in cost of living—as the cost of living—as the cost of living—as the most affordable most affordable most affordable destination in the world for destination in the world for destination in the world for expats right now—Vietnam expats right now—Vietnam ranked 34th ranked 34th ranked 34th . 33 countries . 33 countries . 33 countries surpassed it in surpassed it in surpassed it in quality of life. And this, quality of life. And this, quality of life. And this, friends, is a serious friends, is a serious friends, is a serious problem. This is one of the problem. This is one of the problem. This is one of the main reasons why main reasons why main reasons why many people who many people who many people who come here come here come here end up end up end up leaving Vietnam.

leaving Vietnam. leaving Vietnam. So, all the data in this So, all the data in this So, all the data in this video is taken from InterNations. video is taken from InterNations. video is taken from InterNations. This is the largest This is the largest This is the largest survey of expats survey of expats survey of expats in the world. in the world. in the world. About About About 12,000 people answer it. This is data from 46 12,000 people answer it. This is data from 46 12,000 people answer it. This is data from 46 countries, so yes, countries, so yes, countries, so yes, Vietnam is in the bottom Vietnam is in the bottom Vietnam is in the bottom quarter of the list. quarter of the list. quarter of the list. Overall, it ranked Overall, it ranked Overall, it ranked fifth after fifth after fifth after countries like countries like countries like Panama, Colombia, Panama, Colombia, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Mexico, and Mexico, and Portugal, Portugal, Portugal, ahead of Spain, ahead of Spain, ahead of Spain, Indonesia, and the Indonesia, and the Indonesia, and the Philippines, right? Philippines, right? Philippines, right? I mean, almost I mean, almost I mean, almost nine out of ten nine out of ten nine out of ten people here say people here say people here say they have they have they have enough money to enough money to enough money to live very comfortably in live very comfortably in live very comfortably in Vietnam. People Vietnam. People Vietnam. People are satisfied in this are satisfied in this are satisfied in this regard. There are other regard. There are other regard. There are other indicators, other indicators, other indicators, other variables that variables that variables that hold them back. There hold them back. There hold them back. There is plenty of money here, but is plenty of money here, but is plenty of money here, but ultimately, money and ultimately, money and ultimately, money and the cost of living the cost of living the cost of living were never an were never an were never an issue for issue for issue for most people when most people when most people when they were thinking about they were thinking about they were thinking about moving to Vietnam moving to Vietnam moving to Vietnam or when they arrived. or when they arrived. or when they arrived. The gap between first and The gap between first and 34th place is huge, and it is 34th place is huge, and it is 34th place is huge, and it is in this space that in this space that in this space that people ultimately people ultimately people ultimately decide to leave. I have decide to leave. I have decide to leave. I have lived here for 7 years. I lived here for 7 years. I lived here for 7 years. I saw a lot of saw a lot of saw a lot of people coming and people coming and people coming and going. Of course, going. Of course, going. Of course, some were affected by COVID, some were affected by COVID, some were affected by COVID, but you know, some of but you know, some of but you know, some of them were my friends them were my friends , some were my colleagues, and , some were my colleagues, and , some were my colleagues, and almost no one left almost no one left almost no one left because they because they because they ran out of money. This is ran out of money. This is ran out of money. This is not a problem at all not a problem at all not a problem at all for most people for most people for most people who decide to who decide to who decide to pack up and pack up and pack up and leave. They left leave. They left leave. They left for one of the seven for one of the seven for one of the seven reasons I'm reasons I'm reasons I'm going to name going to name going to name today. I'll list today. I'll list today. I'll list all seven reasons, the numbers all seven reasons, the numbers all seven reasons, the numbers behind each one, and behind each one, and behind each one, and basically, how to avoid becoming that basically, how to avoid becoming that basically, how to avoid becoming that person who drops everything person who drops everything person who drops everything because of it, how to avoid letting because of it, how to avoid letting because of it, how to avoid letting it ruin it ruin it ruin your new life in your new life in your new life in Vietnam. And I'll tell Vietnam. And I'll tell Vietnam. And I'll tell you what I'm putting up with myself right now you what I'm putting up with myself right now you what I'm putting up with myself right now , but I think , but I think , but I think it's worth it. They are it's worth it. They are it's worth it. They are worth the lost worth the lost worth the lost opportunities. They are

opportunities. They are opportunities. They are worth the worth the worth the compromise. After compromise. After compromise. After all, I haven't all, I haven't all, I haven't solved all these solved all these solved all these problems either, and there are problems either, and there are problems either, and there are no perfect places. If no perfect places. If no perfect places. If you're thinking about you're thinking about you're thinking about moving here, this moving here, this moving here, this video is worth video is worth video is worth watching before anything watching before anything watching before anything about cheap rent about cheap rent about cheap rent or beautiful beaches, right? or beautiful beaches, right? or beautiful beaches, right? If you already live If you already live If you already live here in Vietnam, here in Vietnam, great. Let us know in great. Let us know in great. Let us know in the comments. After all, the comments. After all, the comments. After all, one of these things is one of these things is one of these things is probably on your probably on your probably on your mind right now. This probably mind right now. This probably mind right now. This probably bothers you, and you bothers you, and you bothers you, and you can also tell me can also tell me can also tell me which one. But before you which one. But before you which one. But before you expose me in expose me in expose me in the comments as a the comments as a the comments as a hypocrite, a scumbag, a hypocrite, a scumbag, a hypocrite, a scumbag, a pessimist, a liar, pessimist, a liar, pessimist, a liar, or anything else or anything else — you know, if you want to — you know, if you want to — you know, if you want to call me a call me a call me a devilish troll, devilish troll, devilish troll, fine, but first fine, but first fine, but first look in the look in the look in the mirror. Just mirror. Just mirror. Just know that this is the know that this is the know that this is the flip side of a country flip side of a country flip side of a country that I love and that I love and that I love and chose over other chose over other chose over other places in the region that I places in the region that I places in the region that I also love. You know, I could also love. You know, I could also love. You know, I could be in Penang, be in Penang, be in Penang, Malaysia. I could Malaysia. I could Malaysia. I could be in Bangkok, be in Bangkok, be in Bangkok, Thailand, both of Thailand, both of Thailand, both of which are fantastic. which are fantastic. which are fantastic. Okay, let's get down Okay, let's get down Okay, let's get down to business. to business. to business. Enough talk. The seventh Enough talk. The seventh Enough talk. The seventh reason on my reason on my reason on my list of reasons why people list of reasons why people list of reasons why people leave Vietnam is leave Vietnam is leave Vietnam is water, H2O, anything wet, water, H2O, anything wet, water, H2O, anything wet, rainy, drinkable, edible, rainy, drinkable, edible, boiling, which in boiling, which in Vietnam is best Vietnam is best Vietnam is best consumed, perhaps in the consumed, perhaps in the consumed, perhaps in the form of coffee. So, form of coffee. So, form of coffee. So, right now is the right now is the right now is the rainy season. This is rainy season. This is rainy season. This is incredibly infuriating. Saigon incredibly infuriating. Saigon incredibly infuriating. Saigon floods, not every now and then floods, not every now and then floods, not every now and then , but every year. And , but every year. And , but every year. And ultimately, the situation ultimately, the situation ultimately, the situation worsens. When the tide rises in the worsens. When the tide rises in the 7th arrondissement 7th arrondissement , entire streets , entire streets are underwater.

are underwater. are underwater. You're riding a scooter You're riding a scooter You're riding a scooter ankle-deep in water, right? On ankle-deep in water, right? On ankle-deep in water, right? On November 6th last November 6th last November 6th last year, the water level at the year, the water level at the year, the water level at the gauge in Phu An gauge in Phu An gauge in Phu An reached 1.78m. That's almost reached 1.78m. That's almost reached 1.78m. That's almost over my head, right? This is the over my head, right? This is the over my head, right? This is the highest figure highest figure highest figure ever ever ever recorded there. Upstream recorded there. Upstream recorded there. Upstream , at Thu Dau Mot, , at Thu Dau Mot, , at Thu Dau Mot, it reached 1.88. I would it reached 1.88. I would it reached 1.88. I would literally drown. literally drown. literally drown. Also a record. Also a record. Also a record. Like it or Like it or Like it or not, climate change is a not, climate change is a not, climate change is a reality, and reality, and reality, and it's ultimately leading to more it's ultimately leading to more it's ultimately leading to more extreme extreme extreme weather everywhere, weather everywhere, weather everywhere, including this place. including this place. including this place. Vietnam is no exception. Vietnam is no exception. Vietnam is no exception. In May, almost 230 mm of In May, almost 230 mm of In May, almost 230 mm of precipitation fell in 90 precipitation fell in 90 precipitation fell in 90 minutes. Bui Vien, a minutes. Bui Vien, a minutes. Bui Vien, a major pedestrian major pedestrian major pedestrian street, was street, was street, was underwater. Koh Bak Street underwater. Koh Bak Street underwater. Koh Bak Street was flooded. This is was flooded. This is was flooded. This is one of the main one of the main one of the main transport arteries transport arteries . This is a major . This is a major . This is a major backpacker street in one of the backpacker street in one of the backpacker street in one of the busiest busiest busiest tourist hubs tourist hubs tourist hubs in District 1, in the heart of in District 1, in the heart of in District 1, in the heart of Saigon. Of course, when Saigon. Of course, when Saigon. Of course, when we look at it we look at it we look at it now, we probably now, we probably now, we probably think about it. Yes, think about it. Yes, think about it. Yes, Bangkok also suffers Bangkok also suffers Bangkok also suffers from floods. This is not a from floods. This is not a from floods. This is not a unique problem. unique problem. unique problem. It's not just Saigon. I'm It's not just Saigon. I'm It's not just Saigon. I'm sure you've heard sure you've heard sure you've heard about the Thu Bon River, about the Thu Bon River, about the Thu Bon River, whose level near whose level near whose level near Hoi An has risen by Hoi An has risen by Hoi An has risen by over 5 meters. over 5 meters. over 5 meters. Last October, the entire Last October, the entire Last October, the entire city was city was city was underwater. When you underwater. When you underwater. When you get there, you get there, you get there, you literally see the literally see the literally see the water level marks water level marks water level marks on the buildings, they on the buildings, they on the buildings, they broke the record that broke the record that broke the record that had been held since 1964, had been held since 1964, had been held since 1964, right? 28 people died right? 28 people died right? 28 people died in floods in the in floods in the in floods in the region last region last region last year. 91 houses were year. 91 houses were year. 91 houses were destroyed, and destroyed, and destroyed, and ultimately over 133,000 ultimately over 133,000 ultimately over 133,000 homes were flooded.

homes were flooded. homes were flooded. This is a disaster by any This is a disaster by any This is a disaster by any standards, an standards, an standards, an emergency emergency , and it's something you , and it's something you , and it's something you should seriously should seriously should seriously consider before consider before consider before packing up and heading packing up and heading packing up and heading to Southeast to Southeast to Southeast Asia. I myself lived in Asia. I myself lived in Asia. I myself lived in Danang for 2 years. Da Nang is Danang for 2 years. Da Nang is Danang for 2 years. Da Nang is often chosen for often chosen for often chosen for relocation because it is considered a relocation because it is considered a relocation because it is considered a calm, calm, calm, relaxed city relaxed city relaxed city where you can relax on the where you can relax on the where you can relax on the beach. And he is exactly like that beach. And he is exactly like that beach. And he is exactly like that . But 158 ​​people . But 158 ​​people . But 158 ​​people died in died in died in floods in Vietnam floods in Vietnam floods in Vietnam last year, and it is last year, and it is last year, and it is usually the usually the central region that suffers the most. central region that suffers the most. Hanoi in the north Hanoi in the north Hanoi in the north is no exception. I'm is no exception. I'm is no exception. I'm sure you've seen the sure you've seen the sure you've seen the footage on the news. And footage on the news. And footage on the news. And the calendar the calendar the calendar is different is different is different depending on where depending on where depending on where you live, right? you live, right? you live, right? In the south, the climate is In the south, the climate is In the south, the climate is more tropical, with rains more tropical, with rains more tropical, with rains falling from approximately falling from approximately falling from approximately May to November. May to November. May to November. On the central On the central On the central coast, major coast, major coast, major floods usually floods usually floods usually come during what come during what come during what we we we consider fall at home, sometime consider fall at home, sometime consider fall at home, sometime between September and December between September and December . This is a buffer, . This is a buffer, . This is a buffer, transitional season. transitional season. transitional season. The season you The season you The season you come for a come for a come for a two-week exploration two-week exploration two-week exploration may not be the may not be the may not be the season that season that season that ultimately decides ultimately decides ultimately decides whether you stay, but whether you stay, but whether you stay, but I promise: if you I promise: if you I promise: if you plan a trip plan a trip to Da Nang in late November or December, you to Da Nang in late November or December, you will be very will be very will be very disappointed if disappointed if disappointed if you expect to sunbathe you expect to sunbathe you expect to sunbathe on the beach, right?

on the beach, right? on the beach, right? Imagine this as an expat. Imagine this as an expat. Imagine this as an expat. You rent a place in a You rent a place in a You rent a place in a nice alley because nice alley because nice alley because it's cheap, it has it's cheap, it has it's cheap, it has character, you character, you character, you feel like a feel like a feel like a local, right? Then local, right? Then local, right? Then comes the first comes the first comes the first big tide, the big tide, the big tide, the first flood during a first flood during a first flood during a storm. Your scooter storm. Your scooter storm. Your scooter is standing in almost 40 cm of is standing in almost 40 cm of is standing in almost 40 cm of brown water, and brown water, and brown water, and yes, it smells like yes, it smells like yes, it smells like [ __ ]. Your [ __ ]. Your [ __ ]. Your landlord shrugs landlord shrugs landlord shrugs because it because it because it happens every year. happens every year. happens every year. You want them to You want them to You want them to fix it, you want fix it, you want fix it, you want them to do something them to do something . I mean, . I mean, . I mean, I have old footage of I have old footage of sewer water flooding sewer water flooding my bedroom. Like, this is a my bedroom. Like, this is a my bedroom. Like, this is a common occurrence. This is common occurrence. This is common occurrence. This is to be expected. And, to be expected. And, to be expected. And, of course, it's still hot, of course, it's still hot, of course, it's still hot, right? From March to right? From March to right? From March to May in the south, May in the south, May in the south, the heat hits the the heat hits the the heat hits the city like a wet city like a wet city like a wet hot dog on the hot dog on the hot dog on the face, and you face, and you face, and you won't be going anywhere after, won't be going anywhere after, won't be going anywhere after, you know, 8:00, 9:00 in the morning. you know, 8:00, 9:00 in the morning. you know, 8:00, 9:00 in the morning. You won't even be able to You won't even be able to You won't even be able to walk a few hundred walk a few hundred walk a few hundred meters. This is just meters. This is just meters. This is just too much, isn't it? You too much, isn't it? You too much, isn't it? You plan your entire plan your entire plan your entire day and move day and move day and move around air conditioning around air conditioning , shade, staying , shade, staying , shade, staying indoors, and your electric bill indoors, and your electric bill clearly shows it, clearly shows it, right? Numbeo estimates right? Numbeo estimates right? Numbeo estimates basic basic basic utilities for an utilities for an utilities for an average-sized apartment average-sized apartment average-sized apartment here at around 2.7 here at around 2.7 here at around 2.7 million VND per million VND per million VND per month. It's a little month. It's a little month. It's a little over $100, over $100, over $100, but that's an average price, but that's an average price, but that's an average price, right? The most expensive right? The most expensive right? The most expensive months, when months, when months, when the air conditioner is running the air conditioner is running the air conditioner is running at full blast, otherwise you would be at full blast, otherwise you would be at full blast, otherwise you would be drenched in sweat, drenched in sweat, drenched in sweat, cost several cost several cost several hundred dollars. And hundred dollars. And hundred dollars. And then, yes, the price drops then, yes, the price drops then, yes, the price drops and becomes much and becomes much and becomes much cheaper at other times.

cheaper at other times. cheaper at other times. Some people Some people Some people like it. I like it. I like it. I have nothing against it. have nothing against it. have nothing against it. Honestly, I Honestly, I Honestly, I prefer this to prefer this to prefer this to snow. But people who snow. But people who snow. But people who come from come from come from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seattle, Vancouver, or Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, imagining beach imagining beach imagining beach life, often life, often life, often encounter their encounter their encounter their first April here and first April here and first April here and realize they'll realize they'll realize they'll be spending 3–4 months be spending 3–4 months be spending 3–4 months of the year mostly of the year mostly of the year mostly indoors because it's indoors because it's unbearable outside during the day, right? How can you unbearable outside during the day, right? How can you not go not go not go because of this? Well, never because of this? Well, never because of this? Well, never rent a ground rent a ground rent a ground floor apartment in a low-lying floor apartment in a low-lying floor apartment in a low-lying area. Know which area. Know which area. Know which areas are flooding. areas are flooding. areas are flooding. Ask your neighbors, not Ask your neighbors, not Ask your neighbors, not your landlords. your landlords. your landlords. Search Search Search expat forums. Know what expat forums. Know what expat forums. Know what happened last happened last happened last November or the year November or the year November or the year before. Perhaps before. Perhaps before. Perhaps the region floods only the region floods only the region floods only once every few years. once every few years. once every few years. Number six: Number six: Number six: moving from water moving from water moving from water to air. The other to air. The other to air. The other part of the H2O equation has been part of the H2O equation has been driving me crazy lately . And now the main . And now the main . And now the main reason is not even reason is not even reason is not even Vietnamese. There is Vietnamese. There is Vietnamese. There is little that can be done here. little that can be done here. little that can be done here. Large air masses Large air masses Large air masses come from come from come from Indonesia. There is a Indonesia. There is a Indonesia. There is a volcano there. There were volcano there. There were volcano there. There were forest fires. forest fires. forest fires. Honestly, it's just Honestly, it's just Honestly, it's just disgusting. This doesn't disgusting. This doesn't disgusting. This doesn't make you want to make you want to make you want to run outside. I do run outside. I do run outside. I do n't want to be n't want to be n't want to be outside with the kids at all.

outside with the kids at all. outside with the kids at all. While this is very personal While this is very personal , let's first , let's first , let's first delve into the numbers. delve into the numbers. delve into the numbers. Numbeo keeps a Numbeo keeps a Numbeo keeps a pollution index. In pollution index. In pollution index. In principle, the higher principle, the higher principle, the higher the indicator, the worse. the indicator, the worse. the indicator, the worse. Ho Chi Minh City, where I live, Ho Chi Minh City, where I live, Ho Chi Minh City, where I live, has a score of 92. That's not a has a score of 92. That's not a has a score of 92. That's not a good 92, is it? This is not an good 92, is it? This is not an good 92, is it? This is not an excellent rating. This is a excellent rating. This is a excellent rating. This is a very high rating. very high rating. very high rating. Hanoi has 89, also Hanoi has 89, also Hanoi has 89, also very high. Da Nang, very high. Da Nang, very high. Da Nang, on the other hand, has on the other hand, has on the other hand, has only 54 points. This is a only 54 points. This is a only 54 points. This is a moderate indicator. moderate indicator. moderate indicator. So you can So you can So you can see one of the see one of the see one of the reasons why we reasons why we reasons why we spent a few years spent a few years spent a few years in Da Nang: the climate was in Da Nang: the climate was in Da Nang: the climate was much better there much better there much better there . It was . It was . It was much healthier there. much healthier there. much healthier there. There were significantly There were significantly There were significantly more trees, more more trees, more more trees, more greenery, more wind greenery, more wind greenery, more wind and fresh air. and fresh air. and fresh air. It was wonderful. Running on the It was wonderful. Running on the It was wonderful. Running on the beach there was a beach there was a beach there was a real real real pleasure. And I pleasure. And I pleasure. And I went back to went back to went back to running indoors again—in a running indoors again—in a running indoors again—in a gym with air gym with air gym with air conditioning, HEPA conditioning, HEPA filters, and on a filters, and on a filters, and on a treadmill. treadmill. treadmill. We have what we have. This is We have what we have. This is We have what we have. This is a compromise. One a compromise. One a compromise. One country. The city country. The city country. The city I live in now has an I live in now has an air quality score almost 40 air quality score almost 40 points worse than the points worse than the points worse than the city I left. city I left. city I left. My love, I love you My love, I love you My love, I love you even though you don't watch even though you don't watch even though you don't watch my videos. Let's my videos. Let's my videos. Let's look at a number that look at a number that I think I think I think surprised a lot of surprised a lot of surprised a lot of people. Chiang Mai has a people. Chiang Mai has a people. Chiang Mai has a bad reputation bad reputation bad reputation for its smoking season, for its smoking season, for its smoking season, which occurs every year in which occurs every year in which occurs every year in February and March.

February and March. People are fleeing People are fleeing Chiang Mai, foreigners are fleeing Chiang Mai, foreigners are fleeing because of the smoke, smog, and because of the smoke, smog, and because of the smoke, smog, and terrible terrible terrible air quality. But Chiang Mai air quality. But Chiang Mai air quality. But Chiang Mai only has a score of 67 in the end only has a score of 67 in the end only has a score of 67 in the end because the rest of the because the rest of the because the rest of the year it is quite year it is quite year it is quite beautiful, green and beautiful, green and beautiful, green and natural. It is natural. It is natural. It is located on located on located on a hill. The air there is a hill. The air there is a hill. The air there is good when farmers good when farmers good when farmers don't burn their crops don't burn their crops . Saigon has worse . Saigon has worse . Saigon has worse performance than a city performance than a city performance than a city with a known with a known with a known smog problem because it smog problem because it smog problem because it lasts practically lasts practically lasts practically all year round there. I all year round there. I all year round there. I mean, the same thing can be mean, the same thing can be mean, the same thing can be found in Bangkok and found in Bangkok and found in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, right? This right? This right? This is reflected in the is reflected in the is reflected in the bigger picture as well. The bigger picture as well. The bigger picture as well. The overall overall overall quality of life index according to quality of life index according to quality of life index according to Numbeo here in Numbeo here in Numbeo here in Ho Chi Minh City is 76 Ho Chi Minh City is 76 , while in Da Nang it is 121 , while in Da Nang it is 121 . This is a very significant . This is a very significant . This is a very significant difference. Hanoi is somewhere difference. Hanoi is somewhere difference. Hanoi is somewhere in the middle with a in the middle with a in the middle with a reading of around 90. The reading of around 90. The weather is probably better there, although the air is weather is probably better there, although the air is a bit worse. But a bit worse. But a bit worse. But ultimately, if you ultimately, if you ultimately, if you chose Vietnam because of its chose Vietnam because of its chose Vietnam because of its favorable financial favorable financial favorable financial performance, and then performance, and then performance, and then chose Saigon or chose Saigon or chose Saigon or Hanoi because of its jobs Hanoi because of its jobs , culture, , culture, , culture, dating, entertainment, dating, entertainment, dating, entertainment, restaurants, and restaurants, and restaurants, and nightlife—you've chosen two nightlife—you've chosen two nightlife—you've chosen two cities that score the cities that score the cities that score the worst worst worst on the parameters that on the parameters that on the parameters that most concern most concern most concern your lungs. So if your lungs. So if your lungs. So if you're an outdoor running or cycling enthusiast you're an outdoor running or cycling enthusiast , you , you might want to might want to might want to think twice. People with think twice. People with think twice. People with asthma are leaving.

asthma are leaving. asthma are leaving. People with small People with small People with small children, like me, are children, like me, are children, like me, are leaving. And believe me leaving. And believe me , I think about it too. , I think about it too. , I think about it too. People who run People who run People who run in the morning start in the morning start in the morning start checking the checking the checking the air quality app air quality app air quality app before the before the before the weather forecast. This is a real weather forecast. This is a real weather forecast. This is a real problem, you know? And problem, you know? And problem, you know? And one day they one day they one day they just say, "[ __ ] it just say, "[ __ ] it just say, "[ __ ] it . I'm tired. I've had . I'm tired. I've had . I'm tired. I've had enough. I'm enough. I'm enough. I'm leaving." For some, this leaving." For some, this leaving." For some, this happens after a happens after a happens after a few months. For few months. For few months. For others, it will be years. others, it will be years. others, it will be years. For now, I'm staying For now, I'm staying For now, I'm staying because my family is here, because because my family is here, because because my family is here, because ultimately there are enough ultimately there are enough ultimately there are enough factors that keep me going factors that keep me going , but I won't , but I won't , but I won't pretend it's nothing. On a pretend it's nothing. On a pretend it's nothing. On a bad day during the dry bad day during the dry bad day during the dry season, the season, the season, the horizon line literally horizon line literally horizon line literally looks like the color of looks like the color of looks like the color of weak or weak or weak or spilled tea. It spilled tea. It spilled tea. It can be can be can be dystopian, dystopian, dystopian, apocalyptic. apocalyptic. apocalyptic. Ultimately, if you don't Ultimately, if you don't Ultimately, if you don't want to travel, if want to travel, if air is important to you, you choose air is important to you, you choose Da Nang or sit Da Nang or sit Da Nang or sit indoors like you are now indoors like you are now indoors like you are now and run HEPA and run HEPA filters throughout the filters throughout the filters throughout the apartment until the apartment until the apartment until the AQI level is zero. AQI level is zero. AQI level is zero. Otherwise, in Otherwise, in Otherwise, in my opinion, this is the my opinion, this is the my opinion, this is the most important reason most important reason most important reason to choose one city to choose one city to choose one city or one region of or one region of or one region of Southeast Southeast Southeast Asia over another. Asia over another. Asia over another. Number five, this is, Number five, this is, Number five, this is, statistically, the statistically, the statistically, the most dangerous thing most dangerous thing most dangerous thing in Vietnam—the roads.

in Vietnam—the roads. in Vietnam—the roads. This is where people die. This is where people die. This is where people die. Thousands of people die every year Thousands of people die every year Thousands of people die every year . Tens of thousands of accidents occur every day . Tens of thousands of accidents occur every day . Tens of thousands of accidents occur every day outside Ho Chi Minh City and are outside Ho Chi Minh City and are not even not even reported. In the reported. In the reported. In the first 7 months of 2025, first 7 months of 2025, 6,101 people died on Vietnam's roads 6,101 people died on Vietnam's roads . No, I don't think . No, I don't think . No, I don't think Thailand is better. Thailand is better. Thailand is better. No, Bali is not better. No, Bali is not better. No, Bali is not better. You know, one time I You know, one time I You know, one time I flew into flew into flew into Denpasar airport and my Denpasar airport and my Denpasar airport and my taxi driver taxi driver taxi driver literally crashed into a literally crashed into a literally crashed into a guy on a motorbike guy on a motorbike guy on a motorbike before I even before I even before I even got to the hostel. I got to the hostel. I got to the hostel. I was only on the ground for was only on the ground for was only on the ground for about 7 minutes before about 7 minutes before about 7 minutes before we got into an we got into an we got into an accident. Is this normal here? accident. Is this normal here? accident. Is this normal here? Yes. Will you Yes. Will you Yes. Will you like it? I don't like it? I don't like it? I don't know. Some people can't know. Some people can't accept that, right? That's accept that, right? That's about 29 people a about 29 people a about 29 people a day who die in day who die in day who die in traffic traffic accidents here in accidents here in Vietnam. These are official Vietnam. These are official Vietnam. These are official figures, reported figures, reported figures, reported figures. And, to be honest figures. And, to be honest , they are getting smaller, , they are getting smaller, , they are getting smaller, right? In the months right? In the months right? In the months surrounding the New Year, surrounding the New Year, surrounding the New Year, around the Tet holiday, around the Tet holiday, around the Tet holiday, mortality rates dropped mortality rates dropped mortality rates dropped by 11% compared to the by 11% compared to the by 11% compared to the previous year. This is previous year. This is previous year. This is because the police are because the police are because the police are now now now cracking down much harder on cracking down much harder on drunk driving. drunk driving. Fines have increased dramatically Fines have increased dramatically Fines have increased dramatically over the last couple of years over the last couple of years . And a 10-11% decrease . And a 10-11% decrease is great, but, is great, but, is great, but, at the end of the day, you know, 899 at the end of the day, you know, 899 at the end of the day, you know, 899 people who died people who died people who died that month, don't care that month, don't care that month, don't care about statistics. And if about statistics. And if about statistics. And if it makes you nervous, you don't it makes you nervous, you don't it makes you nervous, you don't want to take any chances, want to take any chances, want to take any chances, right? It's not about right? It's not about right? It's not about slow trips slow trips slow trips through the city center, through the city center, through the city center, right? Numbeo rates right? Numbeo rates right? Numbeo rates travel time in Saigon travel time in Saigon travel time in Saigon as quite low.

as quite low. as quite low. The movement is too intense for me The movement is too intense for me The movement is too intense for me . I wouldn't . I wouldn't . I wouldn't want to be a part of want to be a part of want to be a part of this. I have this. I have this. I have a feeling it's a feeling it's a feeling it's moving in all moving in all moving in all directions at once, directions at once, directions at once, you know? It's a little you know? It's a little you know? It's a little too chaotic, it's a too chaotic, it's a too chaotic, it's a little too much. When I used to little too much. When I used to little too much. When I used to commute here for work, it commute here for work, it commute here for work, it lasted me lasted me lasted me about 8 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 8 weeks, and then I just and then I just and then I just moved closer to moved closer to moved closer to where I worked. So, where I worked. So, where I worked. So, if you're if you're if you're riding a riding a riding a motorcycle around town, motorcycle around town, motorcycle around town, the rules here are the rules here are the rules here are more like advice, more like advice, more like advice, no one walks, and no one walks, and no one walks, and crossing the street is crossing the street is crossing the street is literally a skill. You literally a skill. You literally a skill. You learn it like learn it like learn it like crossing a river: you have to crossing a river: you have to crossing a river: you have to go slowly, go slowly, go slowly, confidently, and just confidently, and just confidently, and just let the flow of let the flow of let the flow of motorbikes pass motorbikes pass motorbikes pass you by. Some people you by. Some people you by. Some people start to like it over time. start to like it over time. start to like it over time. The atmosphere, the The atmosphere, the The atmosphere, the energy—that's energy—that's energy—that's important. That's what important. That's what important. That's what really keeps them really keeps them really keeps them here or attracts them here or attracts them here or attracts them here. I think it's more here. I think it's more here. I think it's more important for important for important for older people, older people, older people, pensioners, the pensioners, the pensioners, the elderly, elderly, elderly, you know? At 25, a you know? At 25, a you know? At 25, a scooter accident is scooter accident is scooter accident is just history. At 65, a just history. At 65, a scooter accident means a broken scooter accident means a broken hip, a broken rib hip, a broken rib . My friend in . My friend in . My friend in Danang had, Danang had, Danang had, I think, three I think, three I think, three accidents in the first year. accidents in the first year. accidents in the first year. He injured his shoulder, He injured his shoulder, He injured his shoulder, injured his ribs. This, injured his ribs. This, injured his ribs. This, you know, is pretty you know, is pretty you know, is pretty tough. Recovery tough. Recovery tough. Recovery takes a long time. takes a long time. takes a long time. He couldn't swim, he He couldn't swim, he He couldn't swim, he couldn't stay in couldn't stay in couldn't stay in shape. After all, shape. After all, shape. After all, most expats most expats most expats rent a motorbike in the rent a motorbike in the rent a motorbike in the first week or first week or first week or month because it's cheap, month because it's cheap, month because it's cheap, it's freedom, and it's a it's freedom, and it's a it's freedom, and it's a nice feeling. It's nice feeling. It's nice feeling. It's not scary. It's just not scary. It's just not scary. It's just dangerous, right? I have dangerous, right? I have dangerous, right? I have seen people drive seen people drive seen people drive after accidents, with after accidents, with after accidents, with broken arms, broken arms, broken arms, often without insurance often without insurance often without insurance coverage, and it is coverage, and it is coverage, and it is enough to enough to enough to scare them or their scare them or their scare them or their children at home and make children at home and make children at home and make them leave. I have them leave. I have them leave. I have SafetyWing insurance for SafetyWing insurance for SafetyWing insurance for such cases. Of course, such cases. Of course, such cases. Of course, you should check you should check you should check if your insurance covers this if your insurance covers this if your insurance covers this . No one here . No one here . No one here checks your checks your checks your rights. Many rights. Many rights. Many expats drive here expats drive here expats drive here with licenses that are not with licenses that are not with licenses that are not valid or do not exist at all valid or do not exist at all valid or do not exist at all , right? And if , right? And if , right? And if you get into an accident you get into an accident , your insurance won't , your insurance won't , your insurance won't pay. So you're

pay. So you're pay. So you're in the hospital with a broken hip in the hospital with a broken hip in the hospital with a broken hip and you and you and you have to pay have to pay have to pay out of pocket. These are out of pocket. These are out of pocket. These are all things you all things you all things you need to know, need to know, need to know, remember, and, remember, and, remember, and, frankly, be frankly, be frankly, be prepared for, prepared for, prepared for, right? If you don't right? If you don't right? If you don't want to freak out and want to freak out and want to freak out and drive away because of this, then drive away because of this, then drive away because of this, then frankly, frankly, frankly, just don't get behind just don't get behind just don't get behind the wheel, you know? Grab, Xanh SM the wheel, you know? Grab, Xanh SM , Green SM, Be—they , Green SM, Be—they , Green SM, Be—they will take you anywhere will take you anywhere will take you anywhere in Saigon or in Saigon or in Saigon or Danang for a couple of Danang for a couple of Danang for a couple of dollars, either in the dollars, either in the dollars, either in the passenger passenger passenger seat or in a car. seat or in a car. seat or in a car. This is the cheapest This is the cheapest This is the cheapest way to increase way to increase way to increase your security in the country your security in the country , and almost no one , and almost no one , and almost no one uses it. My wife and I uses it. My wife and I talk about this all the time. Our talk about this all the time. Our children never ride children never ride children never ride scooters. Zero. scooters. Zero. scooters. Zero. Never in my life. Never in my life. Never in my life. So, take it So, take it So, take it as it is. Next on as it is. Next on as it is. Next on our list is our list is our list is number four. This is number four. This is number four. This is probably the biggest probably the biggest probably the biggest factor I've been factor I've been factor I've been thinking about lately thinking about lately thinking about lately that could make us that could make us that could make us pack our bags. This is pack our bags. This is pack our bags. This is education, education, education, school bills. This is more school bills. This is more school bills. This is more relevant for families. relevant for families. relevant for families. If you don't have If you don't have If you don't have children, that's okay. children, that's okay. children, that's okay. You can, you know, You can, you know, You can, you know, skip to skip to skip to point three, but it point three, but it point three, but it hits families really hard hits families really hard hits families really hard . And when that . And when that . And when that happens, it often happens, it often happens, it often literally literally literally ends in ends in ends in moving. You see a moving. You see a moving. You see a lot of lot of lot of European families, European families, European families, Canadians, people who Canadians, people who Canadians, people who have good have good have good public schools at home, public schools at home, public schools at home, leaving. You know, I leaving. You know, I leaving. You know, I was a was a was a department head at an department head at an department head at an international school international school international school here. I know exactly how the here. I know exactly how the here. I know exactly how the pay scale works, pay scale works, pay scale works, and it's brutal. It's and it's brutal. It's and it's brutal. It's like a staircase. You know, the like a staircase. You know, the like a staircase. You know, the first year when your first year when your first year when your kids are young like kids are young like kids are young like ours, it's still relatively ours, it's still relatively ours, it's still relatively affordable, but it affordable, but it affordable, but it gets more expensive every year gets more expensive every year gets more expensive every year . The British . The British . The British International School here International School here International School here charges 999 million charges 999 million charges 999 million dong for grade 12, dong for grade 12, dong for grade 12, almost a billion. No almost a billion. No almost a billion. No kidding. That's about

kidding. That's about kidding. That's about $38,000 per $38,000 per $38,000 per child per year. Did child per year. Did child per year. Did it it it cost the same when they cost the same when they cost the same when they went to kindergarten? No, went to kindergarten? No, went to kindergarten? No, but you get the point but you get the point . It's a trap, like a . It's a trap, like a . It's a trap, like a hook on a ladder. hook on a ladder. hook on a ladder. They drag you down. They drag you down. They drag you down. This is not just one school. The This is not just one school. The This is not just one school. The Canadian school charges Canadian school charges Canadian school charges over 30,000 for the highest over 30,000 for the highest over 30,000 for the highest level. Are these level. Are these level. Are these schools worth it? Ultimately, it's up to schools worth it? Ultimately, it's up to schools worth it? Ultimately, it's up to you. you. you. The reality is The reality is The reality is that for expats that for expats that for expats whose education is not whose education is not whose education is not covered by a covered by a covered by a corporate job, corporate job, corporate job, this is a good reason this is a good reason this is a good reason to leave, right? to leave, right? to leave, right? ISHCMC is worth 988 ISHCMC is worth 988 ISHCMC is worth 988 million. Saigon South and the million. Saigon South and the million. Saigon South and the Australian School Australian School are both less than 900 are both less than 900 are both less than 900 million. These are crazy million. These are crazy million. These are crazy numbers compared to the numbers compared to the numbers compared to the overall cost of overall cost of overall cost of living here, right? living here, right? living here, right? Most schools Most schools Most schools raise raise raise fees by 3-6% each year, so they fees by 3-6% each year, so they fees by 3-6% each year, so they track inflation track inflation . Many of them are . Many of them are . Many of them are owned by huge owned by huge owned by huge international international international corporations, corporations, corporations, right? On average, a right? On average, a right? On average, a primary international primary international primary international school here costs school here costs school here costs about 592 million about 592 million about 592 million VND per year. You VND per year. You VND per year. You could call it could call it could call it $23,000. So, it's not that $23,000. So, it's not that $23,000. So, it's not that cheap at the cheap at the cheap at the start. That's almost start. That's almost start. That's almost $2,000 a month. I $2,000 a month. I $2,000 a month. I pay about pay about pay about half of that for the half of that for the half of that for the child. This is madness.

child. This is madness. child. This is madness. This is a real reason This is a real reason This is a real reason to leave, to go to to leave, to go to to leave, to go to Bangkok, Kuala Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei. Lumpur, Taipei. Lumpur, Taipei. You know, if you put You know, if you put You know, if you put it all together. Numbeo says a it all together. Numbeo says a family of four family of four family of four here spends here spends here spends about $1,760 per about $1,760 per about $1,760 per month, month, month, excluding rent. A excluding rent. A excluding rent. A three-bedroom apartment three-bedroom apartment three-bedroom apartment outside the outside the outside the city center costs about city center costs about city center costs about $720 per month. $720 per month. $720 per month. In the city, it is 32.6 In the city, it is 32.6 In the city, it is 32.6 million dong. So million dong. So , that's about , that's about , that's about $1,250. So you $1,250. So you $1,250. So you add these numbers up, right? add these numbers up, right? add these numbers up, right? And I still use a And I still use a And I still use a cheaper and more cheaper and more cheaper and more accessible example. And that's accessible example. And that's accessible example. And that's about about about $2,480 a month to $2,480 a month to $2,480 a month to live on. I think that's live on. I think that's live on. I think that's realistic. You realistic. You realistic. You can live on can live on can live on $2,500 a month. $2,500 a month. $2,500 a month. Add two kids and Add two kids and Add two kids and average tuition average tuition average tuition , right? If you are , right? If you are , right? If you are not not not homeschooled and not learning homeschooled and not learning homeschooled and not learning online, that is another online, that is another online, that is another $3,800 per month. This is $3,800 per month. This is $3,800 per month. This is over 100% of your over 100% of your over 100% of your total total total living expenses. You talk living expenses. You talk living expenses. You talk about your total about your total about your total expenses and add expenses and add expenses and add about 140% to them. about 140% to them. about 140% to them. Just add it on Just add it on Just add it on top. $2,500 for top. $2,500 for top. $2,500 for living, $3,800 for tuition. living, $3,800 for tuition. living, $3,800 for tuition. Well, suddenly it becomes Well, suddenly it becomes Well, suddenly it becomes $6,300 a month. $6,300 a month. $6,300 a month. That's almost the That's almost the That's almost the $6,500 a month it $6,500 a month it $6,500 a month it costs to live in the US.

costs to live in the US. costs to live in the US. So, frankly, So, frankly, So, frankly, why don't you just why don't you just why don't you just go home, go home, go home, huh? $6,279 a huh? $6,279 a huh? $6,279 a month is too month is too month is too expensive to live in expensive to live in expensive to live in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City. In that case, this In that case, this In that case, this compromise is compromise is compromise is no longer worth it. So no longer worth it. So no longer worth it. So if you're if you're if you're asking yourself right now, "Well, asking yourself right now, "Well, asking yourself right now, "Well, Evan, why haven't you Evan, why haven't you Evan, why haven't you left yet?" left yet?" left yet?" Frankly, we're not there yet. Frankly, we're not there yet. Frankly, we're not there yet. We will solve We will solve We will solve the problem when it the problem when it the problem when it arises. Nothing is arises. Nothing is arises. Nothing is eternal. Maybe we'll eternal. Maybe we'll eternal. Maybe we'll move somewhere else move somewhere else move somewhere else . Maybe . Maybe . Maybe we'll go somewhere we'll go somewhere we'll go somewhere to teach the children, to teach the children, to teach the children, or send them to or send them to or send them to study study study somewhere else and then somewhere else and then somewhere else and then take them back. Or, take them back. Or, take them back. Or, God forbid, maybe I'll God forbid, maybe I'll God forbid, maybe I'll get a job and get a job and get a job and get free tuition for them again get free tuition for them again . Because if geo-arbitrage . Because if geo-arbitrage disappears, then, disappears, then, disappears, then, frankly, the frankly, the frankly, the main main main attraction, the attraction, the attraction, the main reason to live main reason to live main reason to live in Vietnam, disappears too. And I know it in Vietnam, disappears too. And I know it in Vietnam, disappears too. And I know it inside out, right? inside out, right? inside out, right? Most Most Most international schools international schools international schools provide provide provide free free free or significantly or significantly or significantly discounted places for teachers' children. I was discounted places for teachers' children. I was discounted places for teachers' children. I was literally thinking about literally thinking about literally thinking about this with my wife this with my wife this with my wife this morning. And that's how this morning. And that's how this morning. And that's how many families of many families of many families of teachers or teachers or teachers or expats expats expats cope here. If you are a cope here. If you are a cope here. If you are a retiree or a retiree or a retiree or a remote worker remote worker , a digital nomad, there are no , a digital nomad, there are no , a digital nomad, there are no discounts.

discounts. discounts. You will pay You will pay You will pay full price every year, full price every year, full price every year, or do or do or do homeschooling, homeschooling, homeschooling, or your children will learn or your children will learn or your children will learn online. There online. There is simply no other alternative, and this is a huge is simply no other alternative, and this is a huge reason why many reason why many reason why many families do not come families do not come families do not come and settle in and settle in and settle in Vietnam. In fact, Vietnam. In fact, Vietnam. In fact, this is the most common this is the most common this is the most common reason families reason families reason families leave that I leave that I leave that I know of. They know of. They know of. They come when come when come when the children are small, like mine are the children are small, like mine are the children are small, like mine are now. It's cheap, it's now. It's cheap, it's now. It's cheap, it's great, it gives you great, it gives you great, it gives you freedom. Then the freedom. Then the freedom. Then the older child older child older child turns 11-12 turns 11-12 turns 11-12 years old, prices jump years old, prices jump , and that's it. They , and that's it. They , and that's it. They return or return or return or go somewhere else because go somewhere else because go somewhere else because they want free they want free they want free public school or public school or public school or a much, much more a much, much more a much, much more affordable education. affordable education. affordable education. I have children, again I have children, again I have children, again , this one is sitting on , this one is sitting on , this one is sitting on my desk. This is my desk. This is my desk. This is constantly on my constantly on my constantly on my mind. mind. mind. Frankly, the only way to Frankly, the only way to Frankly, the only way to not leave because of this not leave because of this is what we're doing is what we're doing is what we're doing now. There are good now. There are good now. There are good bilingual bilingual bilingual middle-level schools for a middle-level schools for a middle-level schools for a fraction of that price. fraction of that price. fraction of that price. I am glad that my children I am glad that my children I am glad that my children are learning Vietnamese. are learning Vietnamese. are learning Vietnamese. So we can So we can So we can pay less, right pay less, right ? There's nothing you can do here ? There's nothing you can do here ? There's nothing you can do here if you want to send your if you want to send your if you want to send your children to an international children to an international children to an international English-language school. So you English-language school. So you English-language school. So you need to calculate need to calculate need to calculate the cost of studying before the cost of studying before the cost of studying before moving to Vietnam, moving to Vietnam, moving to Vietnam, not after. Otherwise, not after. Otherwise, not after. Otherwise, frankly, you will frankly, you will frankly, you will definitely leave definitely leave definitely leave Vietnam earlier than Vietnam earlier than Vietnam earlier than expected. Before expected. Before expected. Before we wrap up with the we wrap up with the we wrap up with the top three, top three, top three, a little positive and a a little positive and a a little positive and a message from message from message from the author, myself the author, myself the author, myself , Evan A. If you're , Evan A. If you're , Evan A. If you're seriously considering seriously considering seriously considering moving to Vietnam, moving to Vietnam, moving to Vietnam, just write just write just write the word "news" in the word "news" in the word "news" in the comments and I'll the comments and I'll the comments and I'll send you my send you my send you my newsletter. It's newsletter. It's newsletter. It's free, it free, it free, it comes out weekly, and it's where comes out weekly, and it's where comes out weekly, and it's where I share the I share the I share the real numbers I real numbers I real numbers I talked about in talked about in talked about in this video and all

this video and all this video and all my research my research . Also, if you . Also, if you . Also, if you need help with need help with need help with this, the link is in the this, the link is in the this, the link is in the description on my website description on my website description on my website thecostoflivingabroad.com. You thecostoflivingabroad.com. You thecostoflivingabroad.com. You can get a can get a can get a personalized personalized personalized moving plan to moving plan to moving plan to come to come to Southeast Asia with me. Southeast Asia with me. Southeast Asia with me. I conduct I conduct I conduct individual individual individual consultations consultations consultations by phone, etc. There by phone, etc. There by phone, etc. There is also access to is also access to is also access to materials for 3 materials for 3 materials for 3 months if you months if you months if you prefer to prefer to study my study my research, research, research, guides, and courses independently at guides, and courses independently at guides, and courses independently at your own pace. Once again your own pace. Once again your own pace. Once again , just type " , just type " news" or click the news" or click the news" or click the link to link to link to thecostoflivingabroad.com below thecostoflivingabroad.com below thecostoflivingabroad.com below to get started. Now to get started. Now to get started. Now let's go back to let's go back to let's go back to point three. But before point three. But before point three. But before we get to we get to we get to point three, let's point three, let's point three, let's talk for a minute talk for a minute talk for a minute about why it seems like about why it seems like about why it seems like everyone, even their everyone, even their everyone, even their moms and the moms and the moms and the digital nomads next door, is digital nomads next door, is digital nomads next door, is moving moving moving to Vietnam right now. I started with to Vietnam right now. I started with to Vietnam right now. I started with some of the cons, but some of the cons, but some of the cons, but first of all, the first of all, the first of all, the money issue—it's real. I money issue—it's real. I money issue—it's real. I already mentioned this. already mentioned this. already mentioned this. This is the number one reason This is the number one reason This is the number one reason to move to to move to to move to Vietnam. Personal Vietnam. Personal Vietnam. Personal finances, the cost of finances, the cost of finances, the cost of living here—it's living here—it's living here—it's incredible. incredible. incredible. It has been in It has been in It has been in first place in first place in first place in expat surveys for 5 years in a row expat surveys for 5 years in a row . 87% of expats here . 87% of expats here . 87% of expats here are satisfied with the cost of are satisfied with the cost of are satisfied with the cost of living. The other 13%, I living. The other 13%, I living. The other 13%, I imagine, are sitting in my imagine, are sitting in my imagine, are sitting in my comments and comments and comments and private private private messages, messages, messages, complaining about paid complaining about paid complaining about paid services and screaming that services and screaming that services and screaming that I'm destroying the country I'm destroying the country I'm destroying the country by telling people by telling people by telling people it's beautiful and it's beautiful and it's beautiful and affordable and, you know, affordable and, you know, affordable and, you know, raising the price of coffee raising the price of coffee raising the price of coffee by 30 cents or something by 30 cents or something by 30 cents or something . After all, my . After all, my . After all, my own expenses here own expenses here own expenses here are about are about are about $1,200–1,800 per $1,200–1,800 per $1,200–1,800 per month, and I have a family.

month, and I have a family. month, and I have a family. End of story, right End of story, right End of story, right ? Nothing more ? Nothing more ? Nothing more needs to be added. And needs to be added. And needs to be added. And let's look at the let's look at the let's look at the cons again, shall we? Three of cons again, shall we? Three of cons again, shall we? Three of them depend them depend them depend solely on solely on solely on which city you choose. which city you choose. which city you choose. Water, air, roads Water, air, roads —everything is better in Danang —everything is better in Danang —everything is better in Danang than in a place like than in a place like than in a place like Saigon. The Saigon. The Saigon. The quality of life index in quality of life index in quality of life index in Da Nang, as I Da Nang, as I Da Nang, as I mentioned, is mentioned, is mentioned, is 121, you know? And one 121, you know? And one 121, you know? And one Social Security check is Social Security check is enough for a single person to live a very enough for a single person to live a very comfortable life comfortable life comfortable life , with a , with a , with a balance left over, easily balance left over, easily balance left over, easily earning that $2,071 earning that $2,071 earning that $2,071 per month. One per month. One per month. One reason reason reason only applies to families with only applies to families with only applies to families with school-age children, as we school-age children, as we school-age children, as we just discussed, just discussed, just discussed, right? One of them, which right? One of them, which right? One of them, which we we we will talk about now, is will talk about now, is will talk about now, is insurance, which, insurance, which, insurance, which, of course, can be of course, can be of course, can be purchased. And one of them purchased. And one of them is building a is building a is building a real life, which real life, which real life, which ultimately depends on ultimately depends on ultimately depends on you, whether you do it you, whether you do it you, whether you do it alone, ask alone, ask alone, ask for help, or for help, or for help, or somehow. Only one of these somehow. Only one of these somehow. Only one of these reasons is ultimately out of reasons is ultimately out of reasons is ultimately out of your control, and that is the your control, and that is the your control, and that is the visa, although I still visa, although I still visa, although I still believe that is within believe that is within believe that is within your control if your control if your control if you are willing to hire an you are willing to hire an you are willing to hire an agent or agent or agent or seek seek seek real help. This is the real help. This is the real help. This is the awkward part, awkward part, awkward part, right? Many of the people right? Many of the people right? Many of the people I I I watched would go watched would go watched would go anywhere. They would anywhere. They would anywhere. They would leave Mexico, leave Mexico, leave Mexico, they would leave they would leave they would leave Portugal. They were Portugal. They were Portugal. They were just too lazy just too lazy just too lazy to do the to do the to do the paperwork, or they didn't paperwork, or they didn't paperwork, or they didn't have the money to pay for it in the end have the money to pay for it in the end , and they , and they ran away from something ran away from something ran away from something back home, but never back home, but never back home, but never got around to anything got around to anything got around to anything else here. They else here. They else here. They had no goals, only a had no goals, only a had no goals, only a desire to escape from desire to escape from desire to escape from reality. The flood, reality. The flood, reality. The flood, or the air, or the or the air, or the or the air, or the school bill—it was school bill—it was school bill—it was just what finally just what finally just what finally pushed them, the pushed them, the pushed them, the last last last straw. Is that what it's straw. Is that what it's straw. Is that what it's called? You know, called? You know, called? You know, the same survey the same survey the same survey that ranked Vietnam that ranked Vietnam that ranked Vietnam 34th in 34th in 34th in quality of life quality of life quality of life ranked it ranked it ranked it eighth in eighth in eighth in happiness. Honestly, I'm just as happiness. Honestly, I'm just as happiness. Honestly, I'm just as happy here, happy here, happy here, or even or even or even happier, than I've ever been happier, than I've ever been . People are happier . People are happier . People are happier than the than the than the quality of life index says they

quality of life index says they quality of life index says they should be. I don't know should be. I don't know should be. I don't know why, it's just the why, it's just the why, it's just the atmosphere, right? But atmosphere, right? But atmosphere, right? But ultimately, this is what ultimately, this is what ultimately, this is what I came here for, and I I came here for, and I I came here for, and I can live with most of can live with most of can live with most of these shortcomings for now these shortcomings for now , because even though I live , because even though I live , because even though I live in the city with the worst in the city with the worst air quality on the list, and air quality on the list, and I have kids, and my I have kids, and my I have kids, and my family is on the other side of the family is on the other side of the family is on the other side of the ocean, you know, I've been here for ocean, you know, I've been here for ocean, you know, I've been here for 7 years, and I 7 years, and I 7 years, and I like what I like what I like what I have here. I have here. I have here. I like the quality of like the quality of like the quality of life I have. And, to be honest life I have. And, to be honest life I have. And, to be honest , I'm not a , I'm not a , I'm not a tourist on a 90-day tourist on a 90-day tourist on a 90-day cycle. That's the cycle. That's the cycle. That's the difference, right? I have been living in difference, right? I have been living in difference, right? I have been living in Vietnam for 7 years now Vietnam for 7 years now Vietnam for 7 years now on real on real on real long-term long-term long-term visas and visas and visas and temporary temporary temporary residence cards, and I residence cards, and I residence cards, and I love it. And, you know, to be love it. And, you know, to be love it. And, you know, to be honest, I'm 100% honest, I'm 100% honest, I'm 100% biased biased biased , and I'm , and I'm , and I'm not even remotely not even remotely not even remotely objective. So, objective. So, objective. So, if you have other if you have other if you have other facts, write in facts, write in facts, write in the comments, I don't the comments, I don't the comments, I don't mind. The third reason mind. The third reason mind. The third reason why people leave why people leave why people leave Vietnam. This is a real Vietnam. This is a real Vietnam. This is a real reason, although reason, although reason, although the situation is the situation is the situation is improving. I do improving. I do improving. I do n't even know if this is the n't even know if this is the n't even know if this is the real reason for real reason for real reason for leaving, but the third reason, in my opinion leaving, but the third reason, in my opinion leaving, but the third reason, in my opinion , , , is healthcare is healthcare is healthcare and hospitals. and hospitals. and hospitals. Everyday medical Everyday medical Everyday medical care here is good, care here is good, care here is good, fast, and very cheap. fast, and very cheap. fast, and very cheap. You just go to a You just go to a You just go to a private clinic, private clinic, private clinic, see a doctor the same see a doctor the same see a doctor the same day, pay less day, pay less day, pay less than the American than the American than the American franchise, and a visit to the franchise, and a visit to the franchise, and a visit to the doctor will cost doctor will cost doctor will cost you $40-50. That's you $40-50. That's you $40-50. That's not the problem.

not the problem. not the problem. The problem is the The problem is the The problem is the limited limited limited possibilities. The possibilities. The possibilities. The Numbeo Healthcare Index Numbeo Healthcare Index Numbeo Healthcare Index for Ho Chi Minh City for Ho Chi Minh City for Ho Chi Minh City is 63. This is is 63. This is is 63. This is quite a high quite a high quite a high score. In Hanoi—57, score. In Hanoi—57, score. In Hanoi—57, a little less. This is a little less. This is a little less. This is rated as rated as rated as average. For average. For average. For comparison, in comparison, in comparison, in Chiang Mai this Chiang Mai this Chiang Mai this figure is 85. In figure is 85. In figure is 85. In Penang—78. Additionally, Penang—78. Additionally, Vietnam ranked 31st out Vietnam ranked 31st out of 46 in the Expat Insider of 46 in the Expat Insider of 46 in the Expat Insider Essentials category Essentials category Essentials category . This is a . This is a . This is a category that covers category that covers category that covers medicine, housing, medicine, housing, medicine, housing, administrative administrative administrative issues, and language. It's issues, and language. It's issues, and language. It's all those little all those little all those little household chores that household chores that household chores that get in the way, get in the way, get in the way, make everything a little more make everything a little more make everything a little more annoying, annoying, annoying, more complicated, add more complicated, add more complicated, add paperwork, paperwork, paperwork, and require extra and require extra and require extra stamps, you know? stamps, you know? You really need You really need an assistant, a visa an assistant, a visa an assistant, a visa agent, or someone who agent, or someone who agent, or someone who can help you, can help you, can help you, right? For the treatment of right? For the treatment of right? For the treatment of my torn my torn my torn knee, FV Hospital in the knee, FV Hospital in the 7th district was 7th district was 7th district was perfect. But for perfect. But for perfect. But for heart surgery, heart surgery, heart surgery, complex cancer, complex cancer, complex cancer, terminal conditions, terminal conditions, terminal conditions, or anything or anything or anything serious, the advice is the same in serious, the advice is the same in serious, the advice is the same in every every every expat group here expat group here expat group here . Go to . Go to . Go to Bangkok, Singapore Bangkok, Singapore Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. This or Kuala Lumpur. This or Kuala Lumpur. This means that your means that your means that your medical insurance medical insurance medical insurance should include should include should include evacuation. And the evacuation. And the evacuation. And the older you get, the more expensive older you get, the more expensive older you get, the more expensive insurance becomes and the insurance becomes and the insurance becomes and the harder it is to purchase.

harder it is to purchase. harder it is to purchase. For example, I For example, I For example, I use the SafetyWing Nomad use the SafetyWing Nomad use the SafetyWing Nomad Complete. The link to Complete. The link to Complete. The link to it is below. However, it is below. However, it is below. However, many international many international many international companies, such as Allianz companies, such as Allianz companies, such as Allianz or Cigna, have stopped or Cigna, have stopped or Cigna, have stopped accepting new accepting new accepting new clients. It all clients. It all clients. It all depends on your depends on your depends on your age. You will have to age. You will have to age. You will have to do do do this research yourself. this research yourself. this research yourself. After all, if you After all, if you After all, if you wait until you wait until you need it, you need it, you may not get the may not get the may not get the help you need. And help you need. And help you need. And Medicare doesn't work here when Medicare doesn't work here when Medicare doesn't work here when you leave the States. you leave the States. you leave the States. American American American retirees know this retirees know this retirees know this in theory, but they really in theory, but they really feel it when feel it when something something something scary happens and the only scary happens and the only scary happens and the only way out for them is a way out for them is a way out for them is a ticket home, right? ticket home, right? ticket home, right? Everyone also talks Everyone also talks Everyone also talks about the language barrier. In about the language barrier. In about the language barrier. In international hospitals, people international hospitals, people communicate in English without any communicate in English without any problems. But at one problems. But at one problems. But at one of the more affordable of the more affordable of the more affordable clinics or public clinics or public clinics or public hospitals at 2 hospitals at 2 hospitals at 2 a.m., you're unlikely to a.m., you're unlikely to a.m., you're unlikely to get along with a get along with a get along with a doctor or doctor or doctor or nurse. If you nurse. If you nurse. If you live here alone and don't live here alone and don't live here alone and don't speak speak speak Vietnamese, it's a Vietnamese, it's a Vietnamese, it's a real problem. real problem. real problem. You should have the number of a You should have the number of a You should have the number of a Vietnamese friend, Vietnamese friend, Vietnamese friend, or an assistant, agent, or an assistant, agent, or an assistant, agent, or someone who can or someone who can or someone who can help you and who you help you and who you help you and who you can call can call can call 24 hours a day, 7 24 hours a day, 7 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if days a week if days a week if you don't have a local you don't have a local you don't have a local partner. The good partner. The good partner. The good news is geography. news is geography. news is geography. Bangkok is only a 90- Bangkok is only a 90- Bangkok is only a 90- minute flight from minute flight from minute flight from Saigon and has some of the Saigon and has some of the Saigon and has some of the best private best private best private hospitals in Asia.

hospitals in Asia. hospitals in Asia. You know, the bad news You know, the bad news You know, the bad news is that you have to is that you have to is that you have to be be be healthy enough to get healthy enough to get healthy enough to get on a plane, or have on a plane, or have on a plane, or have insurance that will cover insurance that will cover insurance that will cover evacuation, by evacuation, by evacuation, by helicopter or whatever helicopter or whatever else you might else you might else you might need. Ultimately, need. Ultimately, need. Ultimately, this is the worst-case this is the worst-case this is the worst-case scenario, but it is at scenario, but it is at scenario, but it is at moments like these that many moments like these that many moments like these that many people return people return people return home. Not because of home. Not because of home. Not because of the bills, but because it's getting the bills, but because it's getting the bills, but because it's getting scary, because scary, because scary, because you want your you want your you want your doctor, your language, and doctor, your language, and doctor, your language, and public services public services public services somewhere close to home, somewhere close to home, somewhere close to home, you know? To avoid you know? To avoid you know? To avoid getting into trouble, getting into trouble, getting into trouble, it's worth purchasing it's worth purchasing it's worth purchasing international evacuation insurance international evacuation insurance in advance, like I in advance, like I do with SafetyWing, or like do with SafetyWing, or like do with SafetyWing, or like my friends at Cigna Alliance, my friends at Cigna Alliance, my friends at Cigna Alliance, while you're still young and while you're still young and while you're still young and can get it at an can get it at an can get it at an affordable price. You affordable price. You affordable price. You should know what should know what should know what insurance and which insurance and which insurance and which hospital hospital hospital you will use before you you will use before you need it, not need it, not after. Number two, after. Number two, after. Number two, friends, we're almost friends, we're almost friends, we're almost done with this done with this done with this big list. This is big list. This is big list. This is very important: the very important: the very important: the homesickness, the longing, the homesickness, the longing, the homesickness, the longing, the distance, the fact that there's no way around the distance, the fact that there's no way around the distance, the fact that there's no way around the 20- 20- hour flight, and hour flight, and hour flight, and it's [ __ ] awful. I it's [ __ ] awful. I it's [ __ ] awful. I hate this. This hate this. This hate this. This summer I flew alone with the summer I flew alone with the summer I flew alone with the kids. It kids. It kids. It was terrible.

was terrible. was terrible. No one makes a video about this No one makes a video about this , because there are no , because there are no , because there are no numbers here, except for numbers here, except for numbers here, except for flight hours, but parents flight hours, but parents flight hours, but parents get sick, get sick, get sick, grandchildren are born, a grandchildren are born, a grandchildren are born, a brother or brother or brother or sister calls and says that sister calls and says that sister calls and says that mom can't mom can't mom can't be alone anymore, and suddenly the 24- be alone anymore, and suddenly the 24- hour trip and hour trip and hour trip and two-day layover, two-day layover, two-day layover, which seemed like which seemed like which seemed like freedom, become an freedom, become an freedom, become an impenetrable wall. And impenetrable wall. And impenetrable wall. And I saw more I saw more I saw more people leave people leave people leave Vietnam for that reason Vietnam for that reason Vietnam for that reason than for any than for any than for any other reason on the other reason on the other reason on the list. This is rarely list. This is rarely list. This is rarely related to related to related to Vietnam itself. The same thing Vietnam itself. The same thing Vietnam itself. The same thing happens in happens in happens in Thailand, Malaysia or Thailand, Malaysia or Thailand, Malaysia or anywhere else. It's just anywhere else. It's just anywhere else. It's just far away, right? And time is far away, right? And time is far away, right? And time is working against you here. working against you here. working against you here. It's not the same as being It's not the same as being It's not the same as being in Mexico or Panama. in Mexico or Panama. in Mexico or Panama. When it's 7-8 pm in New York or When it's 7-8 pm in New York or When it's 7-8 pm in New York or Toronto, it's Toronto, it's Toronto, it's 6 am here. Every 6 am here. Every 6 am here. Every call home is call home is call home is either before breakfast either before breakfast either before breakfast or after midnight, or after midnight, or after midnight, everything is constantly everything is constantly everything is constantly getting mixed up, and you can getting mixed up, and you can getting mixed up, and you can miss your miss your miss your birthday by a day, birthday by a day, birthday by a day, because the date has already because the date has already because the date has already changed here. And ultimately, changed here. And ultimately, changed here. And ultimately, I think the data in the I think the data in the I think the data in the survey survey survey suggests why. suggests why. suggests why. Vietnam ranked 11th Vietnam ranked 11th Vietnam ranked 11th in ease of in ease of in ease of settlement. Pretty settlement. Pretty settlement. Pretty good, pretty good, pretty good, pretty good, upper good, upper good, upper quadrant. But in terms of quadrant. But in terms of quadrant. But in terms of quality of life, it ranks 34th. And quality of life, it ranks 34th. And quality of life, it ranks 34th. And I just think a I just think a I just think a big part of that is big part of that is language, right?

language, right? language, right? Vietnamese has Vietnamese has Vietnamese has six tones in six tones in six tones in the north, five in the the north, five in the the north, five in the south. Most south. Most south. Most expats never expats never expats never get beyond get beyond get beyond ordering food. I ordering food. I ordering food. I had a good had a good had a good few years here, and then few years here, and then few years here, and then we moved to we moved to we moved to central Vietnam, central Vietnam, central Vietnam, and I didn't understand anything, and I didn't understand anything, and I didn't understand anything, okay? My okay? My okay? My Vietnamese is still not Vietnamese is still not Vietnamese is still not good enough good enough good enough for a serious for a serious for a serious debate. To be debate. To be debate. To be frank, I can frank, I can frank, I can order food, get order food, get directions, buy directions, buy gas, ask about gas, ask about gas, ask about something, and say something, and say something, and say polite words, and that's it polite words, and that's it polite words, and that's it , right? So , right? So , right? So in the end, you can in the end, you can in the end, you can live in an expat live in an expat live in an expat bubble in Thao Dien, bubble in Thao Dien, bubble in Thao Dien, in An Thuong in Da Nang, in An Thuong in Da Nang, in An Thuong in Da Nang, in Tei Ho in Hanoi, in Tei Ho in Hanoi, in Tei Ho in Hanoi, you know, among other you know, among other you know, among other foreigners. And in this foreigners. And in this foreigners. And in this bubble, the locals bubble, the locals bubble, the locals will speak will speak will speak English, right? But English, right? But English, right? But then nothing is keeping you here then nothing is keeping you here then nothing is keeping you here . You have no . You have no . You have no Vietnamese friends, Vietnamese friends, Vietnamese friends, no Vietnamese no Vietnamese no Vietnamese family, no roots family, no roots , you only have a , you only have a , you only have a rental agreement and other rental agreement and other rental agreement and other expats who expats who expats who will also continue will also continue will also continue to travel. to travel. to travel. There is one number in the survey There is one number in the survey There is one number in the survey that shows the that shows the that shows the other side of this. 54% of other side of this. 54% of expats who expats who expats who responded from Vietnam responded from Vietnam responded from Vietnam had lived here for 5 years had lived here for 5 years had lived here for 5 years or more. This or more. This or more. This means that people who means that people who means that people who make it through the first year or two make it through the first year or two usually usually usually stay for the long haul.

stay for the long haul. stay for the long haul. Those who have not put down Those who have not put down Those who have not put down roots are the people roots are the people roots are the people who leave when home who leave when home who leave when home calls them back. And for calls them back. And for calls them back. And for Americans, there's a financial trap in this Americans, there's a financial trap in this Americans, there's a financial trap in this drive home drive home , right? If , right? If you end up you end up you end up skipping Medicare Part B skipping Medicare Part B skipping Medicare Part B at 65 because you lived at 65 because you lived at 65 because you lived abroad, and then abroad, and then abroad, and then try to try to try to come back at 72 because your come back at 72 because your come back at 72 because your daughter needs you, because you're daughter needs you, because you're daughter needs you, because you're not as strong, not not as strong, not not as strong, not as active anymore, you'll as active anymore, you'll as active anymore, you'll pay a pay a pay a late fee, right? late fee, right? late fee, right? 10% to your contribution for 10% to your contribution for 10% to your contribution for each full year each full year each full year you were eligible you were eligible you were eligible but did not but did not but did not enroll, for enroll, for enroll, for life. This is life. This is life. This is serious, friends. You serious, friends. You serious, friends. You have to think about have to think about have to think about things like that. So, are you things like that. So, are you things like that. So, are you ready? We ready? We ready? We will get to that now. will get to that now. will get to that now. Number one, and before Number one, and before Number one, and before that—thank you very much for that—thank you very much for that—thank you very much for watching. To everyone who watching. To everyone who watching. To everyone who has reached this has reached this has reached this point, I am Evan A in point, I am Evan A in point, I am Evan A in Saigon, Vietnam. Saigon, Vietnam. Saigon, Vietnam. Subscribe, Subscribe, Subscribe, like the channel, like the channel, like the channel, share with a friend. share with a friend. share with a friend. Canadians, of course, like Canadians, of course, like Canadians, of course, like me, have their own me, have their own me, have their own version of this, right? version of this, right? version of this, right? Provincial health Provincial health Provincial health insurance has insurance has residency rules, and some residency rules, and some provinces force provinces force returning residents to wait returning residents to wait before coverage before coverage before coverage kicks in again. kicks in again. kicks in again. Ultimately, you simply Ultimately, you simply Ultimately, you simply have to check have to check have to check all the rules and laws all the rules and laws all the rules and laws in your province where in your province where in your province where you live before you live before you live before refusing refusing refusing health health health care or care or care or insurance. Because the day insurance. Because the day insurance. Because the day you have to you have to you have to return home is return home is return home is not the day not the day not the day you want to find out you want to find out you want to find out that you are not insured that you are not insured . Okay, number one, are . Okay, number one, are . Okay, number one, are you happy, people? I'm you happy, people? I'm you happy, people? I'm sure it is. This is a sure it is. This is a sure it is. This is a visa. Everyone says so.

visa. Everyone says so. visa. Everyone says so. I don't know. It must be I don't know. It must be I don't know. It must be really that really that really that annoying. I don't know annoying. I don't know annoying. I don't know because I came here because I came here because I came here with a work permit with a work permit with a work permit and then got married, and then got married, and then got married, so I could always so I could always so I could always get a get a get a long-term long-term long-term temporary temporary temporary residence card. But every residence card. But every residence card. But every other reason on this other reason on this other reason on this list is ultimately your choice list is ultimately your choice list is ultimately your choice . This one, . This one, . This one, for many of you, for many of you, for many of you, can be chosen for you, can be chosen for you, can be chosen for you, especially if you don't especially if you don't especially if you don't get real get real get real help or help or help or find a good find a good find a good visa agent. There is visa agent. There is visa agent. There is no no no retirement visa in Vietnam. retirement visa in Vietnam. retirement visa in Vietnam. Never happened, Never happened, Never happened, right? right? right? They are talking about this in 2026. The They are talking about this in 2026. The They are talking about this in 2026. The Golden Visa was in Golden Visa was in Golden Visa was in the news. The Prime the news. The Prime Minister, the President, Minister, the President, Minister, the President, everyone talked about it, everyone talked about it, everyone talked about it, but it's not a real but it's not a real but it's not a real program. This is program. This is program. This is a proposal. This is an idea. The a proposal. This is an idea. The a proposal. This is an idea. The real menu is a 90- real menu is a 90- day e- day e- day e- visa, an investor visa, an investor visa, an investor visa, starting your visa, starting your visa, starting your own business, own business, own business, enrolling in a enrolling in a enrolling in a training program, training program, training program, getting a getting a getting a job, consulting, job, consulting, job, consulting, or, when your 90 days or, when your 90 days or, when your 90 days are up, you are up, you are up, you leave the country, take a leave the country, take a leave the country, take a bus, bus, bus, fly a plane, fly a plane, fly a plane, take a vacation take a vacation take a vacation somewhere else, reapply somewhere else, reapply somewhere else, reapply online, and online, and online, and come back. You have a come back. You have a come back. You have a family visa, you family visa, you family visa, you got married, work got married, work got married, work sponsorship, a sponsorship, a sponsorship, a Vietnamese company Vietnamese company Vietnamese company will do it for you. will do it for you. will do it for you. You just have a completely You just have a completely You just have a completely different lifestyle different lifestyle different lifestyle here than if you were here than if you were here than if you were doing 90-day doing 90-day visas. I think one of the visas. I think one of the visas. I think one of the things about the 90- things about the 90- day visa-on-arrival is that day visa-on-arrival is that if that's your case, if that's your case, it makes you a it makes you a it makes you a temporary person forever, temporary person forever, temporary person forever, right? You're just right? You're just right? You're just passing by.

passing by. passing by. If you calculate If you calculate If you calculate the cost of living with an the cost of living with an the cost of living with an electronic visa: electronic visa: electronic visa: four trips per year, four trips per year, four trips per year, four multiple-entry four multiple-entry four multiple-entry visas of $50 each—that's visas of $50 each—that's visas of $50 each—that's $200 per year in $200 per year in $200 per year in fees. That's very cheap, fees. That's very cheap, fees. That's very cheap, right? But you take right? But you take right? But you take four flights, four flights, four flights, four vacations, four vacations, four vacations, four nights in a hotel four nights in a hotel four nights in a hotel in Bangkok or Kuala in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. It's not Lumpur. It's not Lumpur. It's not just about money, it's also about the just about money, it's also about the just about money, it's also about the psychological psychological psychological strain, right strain, right strain, right ? If you do this for ? If you do this for ? If you do this for 5 years, 10 years, 20, 40 5 years, 10 years, 20, 40 5 years, 10 years, 20, 40 trips across the border, trips across the border, trips across the border, you hand over your you hand over your you hand over your passport to the officer and passport to the officer and passport to the officer and hope that hope that hope that today is a good, today is a good, today is a good, normal day. I normal day. I normal day. I mean, you mean, you mean, you see, like in see, like in see, like in Thailand, everything is Thailand, everything is Thailand, everything is changing everywhere. The rules changing everywhere. The rules changing everywhere. The rules change, right? In change, right? In change, right? In 2023, Vietnam 2023, Vietnam 2023, Vietnam extended the validity of extended the validity of extended the validity of e-visas from 30 e-visas from 30 e-visas from 30 to 90 days. This plays to 90 days. This plays to 90 days. This plays into your hands. For now, they into your hands. For now, they into your hands. For now, they want you to want you to want you to come, but that come, but that come, but that could change. That could change. That could change. That feeling of shaky, feeling of shaky, feeling of shaky, slippery ground under your slippery ground under your slippery ground under your feet—not a pleasant one feet—not a pleasant one . I have friends here in their . I have friends here in their . I have friends here in their 60s who have 60s who have 60s who have been living on 90-day been living on 90-day been living on 90-day cycles for years, and it works cycles for years, and it works cycles for years, and it works until one morning it until one morning it until one morning it stops working stops working stops working or you or you or you just get tired of it. just get tired of it. There is There is nothing in Vietnamese law that nothing in Vietnamese law that nothing in Vietnamese law that guarantees you a guarantees you a guarantees you a subsequent extension subsequent extension , right? Ultimately, it's a , right? Ultimately, it's a , right? Ultimately, it's a matter of discretion. matter of discretion. matter of discretion. Some, you know, can't Some, you know, can't Some, you know, can't put down roots here put down roots here put down roots here because they can't because they can't because they can't own real estate own real estate . A foreigner who . A foreigner who . A foreigner who buys an apartment here buys an apartment here buys an apartment here receives a 50-year receives a 50-year receives a 50-year lease with the right lease with the right lease with the right to extend. If you are an to extend. If you are an to extend. If you are an older person, it is not a older person, it is not a older person, it is not a problem, but it is not problem, but it is not problem, but it is not full ownership, right?

full ownership, right? full ownership, right? Only 30% of any Only 30% of any Only 30% of any building can be building can be building can be owned by foreigners. owned by foreigners. owned by foreigners. For houses and villas, For houses and villas, For houses and villas, a limit of a limit of a limit of about 10% per project is set. about 10% per project is set. about 10% per project is set. These are all real weighty These are all real weighty These are all real weighty factors, real factors, real factors, real circumstances. And the circumstances. And the circumstances. And the temporary temporary temporary resident card I was resident card I was resident card I was talking about is not exactly a talking about is not exactly a talking about is not exactly a separate door. It's separate door. It's separate door. It's based on one of the based on one of the based on one of the four four four visa options, right? Family, visa options, right? Family, visa options, right? Family, work, investments, work, investments, work, investments, studies. There is no studies. There is no studies. There is no card without a card without a card without a corresponding corresponding corresponding category under it. category under it. category under it. There are no There are no There are no hidden deals or hidden deals or hidden deals or special special special arrangements for arrangements for arrangements for Americans or Americans or Americans or Canadians. And that's the Canadians. And that's the Canadians. And that's the real reason real reason real reason why so many people why so many people , when they finally , when they finally , when they finally realize they haven't realize they haven't realize they haven't found a way to found a way to found a way to stay forever, stay forever, stay forever, when trips to the when trips to the when trips to the border don't work out border don't work out border don't work out or when it just or when it just or when it just gets boring—no matter gets boring—no matter how much you love how much you love how much you love pho, no matter how pho, no matter how pho, no matter how much you appreciate much you appreciate much you appreciate the cost of living, you the cost of living, you the cost of living, you can't build a can't build a can't build a retirement on a retirement on a retirement on a tourist visa tourist visa tourist visa hoping for a miracle. hoping for a miracle. And you have to know And you have to know which of the four doors which of the four doors which of the four doors you're actually you're actually you're actually entering before you entering before you entering before you get here. So, get here. So, get here. So, seven factors: water, seven factors: water, seven factors: water, air, roads, air, roads, air, roads, tuition fees, tuition fees, tuition fees, healthcare ceiling healthcare ceiling healthcare ceiling , , , homesickness, and visa.

homesickness, and visa. homesickness, and visa. The solution for each of The solution for each of The solution for each of them is one line, them is one line, them is one line, right? You rent right? You rent right? You rent housing above the first housing above the first housing above the first floor where there floor where there floor where there is no flooding. You is no flooding. You is no flooding. You choose Da Nang if choose Da Nang if choose Da Nang if your lungs are more your lungs are more your lungs are more important than important than important than restaurants. You restaurants. You restaurants. You choose Grab over a choose Grab over a choose Grab over a scooter. You scooter. You scooter. You find out the cost of find out the cost of find out the cost of school before school before school before moving, or you moving, or you moving, or you homeschool your children homeschool your children homeschool your children or teach them online. You buy or teach them online. You buy or teach them online. You buy evacuation insurance evacuation insurance evacuation insurance while you still while you still while you still can. You can. You can. You are building a life here are building a life here are building a life here that is not limited to that is not limited to that is not limited to foreigners, and foreigners, and foreigners, and you are taking care of your you are taking care of your you are taking care of your health health health insurance before you insurance before you insurance before you leave. And you know leave. And you know which visa which visa which visa door you're going through door you're going through door you're going through before you get off the before you get off the before you get off the plane so it doesn't plane so it doesn't plane so it doesn't hit you hit you hit you later. If you're later. If you're later. If you're reading this list and reading this list and reading this list and thinking, "I can handle thinking, "I can handle thinking, "I can handle five or six five or six five or six items," then you'll items," then you'll items," then you'll probably probably probably be fine here, right? But be fine here, right? But be fine here, right? But if you're reading this and if you're reading this and if you're reading this and one of the points one of the points one of the points makes you afraid makes you afraid makes you afraid or you hesitate before you've even or you hesitate before you've even or you hesitate before you've even seen seen seen the area, the area, the area, you might end up loving you might end up loving you might end up loving Vietnam and then Vietnam and then Vietnam and then leaving anyway, leaving anyway, leaving anyway, and that would be very and that would be very and that would be very painful. You can painful. You can painful. You can tell us in tell us in tell us in the comments which of the the comments which of the the comments which of the seven points seven points seven points scares you, what exactly you are scares you, what exactly you are scares you, what exactly you are fixated on. I don't fixated on. I don't fixated on. I don't mean the one that mean the one that mean the one that sounds the worst. I'm talking sounds the worst. I'm talking sounds the worst. I'm talking about the one that about the one that about the one that would actually make you get on a would actually make you get on a would actually make you get on a plane home and plane home and plane home and leave Vietnam.

leave Vietnam. leave Vietnam. Let me remind you, write Let me remind you, write Let me remind you, write the word " the word " news" in the comments if you want to news" in the comments if you want to news" in the comments if you want to receive my receive my receive my weekly newsletter. weekly newsletter. weekly newsletter. It's free. There I It's free. There I It's free. There I discuss all the discuss all the discuss all the cost of living issues and cost of living issues and cost of living issues and share my share my share my updates. I'm Evan updates. I'm Evan updates. I'm Evan Hey in Vietnam. I've Hey in Vietnam. I've Hey in Vietnam. I've been doing this for a been doing this for a been doing this for a long time, so if you long time, so if you long time, so if you need my need my need my help with help with help with expat life, expat life, expat life, use use use the links below to the links below to the links below to my site my site my site thecostoflivingabroad.com for a thecostoflivingabroad.com for a thecostoflivingabroad.com for a realistic realistic realistic plan for moving to plan for moving to plan for moving to Southeast Southeast Southeast Asia. Or you can Asia. Or you can Asia. Or you can check out this check out this check out this playlist of my playlist of my playlist of my top top top country rankings for country rankings for country rankings for expats or this one expats or this one expats or this one where I interview where I interview where I interview other expats and other expats and other expats and visit their visit their visit their homes in homes in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia. Thank you very much.